TNAG-1158-FCO40-1438-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 87

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composition of her party.

(If pressed)

I do not at present expect to accompany the

Prime Minister. I made an official visit to China in 1980

as Secretary of State for Defence and my predecessor as

Foreign Secretary (Lord Carrington) visited China in April

1981.

(If pressed) No doubt my Right Honourable and Noble Friend

the Secretary of State for Trade will advise the Prime

Minister on whether he considers that it would be useful

for a team of businessmen to accompany her. This has been

a very successful feature of some Ministerial visits but is

not appropriate or useful in all cases.

AGENDA OF TALKS

6.

The Prime Minister will wish to discuss with the

Chinese leaders international questions of common concern

and bilateral relations.

HONG KONG

7.

It would be natural for the question of Hong

We have a common

Kong to come up in the discussions.

interest in the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and

prosperity. Our practical cooperation is very extensive

and cordial.

(If pressed) The question of Hong Kong came up in the

discussions my Right Honourable Friend (Mr Atkins) had

during his visit to China in January. The Chinese Government

made it clear that they were considering this question and

would take into account Hong Kong's importance as a free

port and a financial and commercial centre. I expect the

/matter